Page 29 of Her Royal Rebellion

“Of course. I will meet you at the stables.”

I nodded and turned to head back to my room. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Shane chuckled behind me.

I glared at him before cracking and shaking my head.

“The Americans have rubbed off on you,” he added.

I couldn’t deny it. I’d picked up on a few of their sayings and mannerisms. I knew it bothered my parents, but at this point I was ready to walk into my father’s office and demand to know if he’d lost his mind.

I changed into a pair of white riding pants, boots, and a tan sweater before my second attempt to head downstairs. I took the long way through the halls, pausing near Dad’s door. It was shut and I heard voices, so I moved on to Mum’s drawing room. She was sitting next to her assistant and they both glanced up when I entered.

Mum ran her eyes over my outfit and smiled. “What a wonderful day for a ride.”

I narrowed my eyes. Did she have something to do with Philippe’s invitation? Did she make the suggestion to him?

“Why was my schedule cleared?”

She remained poised and unaffected despite my attitude. “Your father and I felt your time would be better utilized this week spending time getting to know the guests that have arrived just to meet you.”

“I have projects I’m working on. The Independence Day celebration is weeks away. I can’t just push everything to the side.”

She gave me a gentle smile. “Darling, your team can manage everything without you.”

“So, I’m just a pretty face for the public? My ideas and work don’t actually matter?”

I was wearing on her patience but her control was better than mine. “Of course not. I’m simply stating that you have excellent people appointed on each project that are more than capable of running things for a few days without you. I’m sure if there is anything that needs your attention, Carolyn will let you know.”

She looked to my assistant who instantly nodded. “Of course, Ma’am.”

Fine. I was outnumbered and overpowered. “Fine. If anyone needs me, I’ll be off somewhere alone with a complete stranger.”

Mum gave me a patronizing smile. “Your guards will always be nearby, and Philippe is a gentleman.”

That confirmed my suspicion that she was somehow behind this. I never mentioned who I was going riding with.

I sighed and left without another word. Shane looked like he was trying not to laugh, and he’d better not lose that battle. He was one of the few people I could take my anger out on without repercussion. Carolyn might cry, and my maids would ask to be transferred. Even Logan would make me talk about why I was feeling a certain way, but Shane would simply let me get it all out, maybe even let me punch his shoulder a few times and then walk away.

The idea was tempting.

“One word,” I threatened and his lips pursed.

“Just one thing. Logan will be joining you for the ride. I have … an assignment.”

I narrowed my eyes. “How did you get out of it?”

He twisted his lips before a smile broke through. “I traded a night shift.”

I rolled my eyes and headed down to the stables and I prayed this would be a quick outing. At least I could blame the ball if it dragged out. Phillippe didn’t need to know how quickly I was able to get ready. I could take hours upon hours for all he knew.

“There you are.” Philippe emerged from a stall with a wide smile. He was an expressive man who didn’t bother to hold back his emotions. It would be endearing if I had made his acquaintance under any other circumstance.

“Hello. Has Joseph set you up with a horse?” I looked around for our stable hand who cared for our animals.

“Yes, I’ll be riding Parsley. He said that’s Cian’s horse but he’s the most welcoming to new people.”

That wasn’t entirely true. Parsley was a bit temperamental and didn’t like inexperienced riders. I smiled. I’d be by with a tray of Joseph’s favorite chocolate biscuits later.